Scout loves
- Wonderful Japanese hospitality
- Excellent meals as part of the meal plan
- Close to the snow monkeys and Shibu Onsen town
- Rooftop indoor and outdoor onsens
Scout tips
- This ryokan is location around 20-25 minute drive from the Shiga Kogen Sunvalley Ski Resort but a free shuttle is provided
- Guests can book a session in the private onsen on the top floor if they'd rather not use the public onsens on-site
- Ensuite bathrooms are small but this is fairly standard for Japan
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Biyu no Yado is an authentic Japanese experience which may pose challenges to some travellers. Read our story about Staying in a Japanese hotel.
SCOUT REVIEW
Biyu no Yado Ryokan is perfect for those who want a high-end traditional Japanese-style hotel experience in the town of Yudanaka. While it is 25 minutes' drive from the slopes at Shiga Kogen, staying here has its advantages; it is a wonderful, authentic Japanese experience in quite a high end hotel, the streets of Yudanaka are fun to explore as is the ancient town of Shibu Onsen which is within easy walking distance, and the Snow Monkey park is just a short drive away. If you are planning just a few days' skiing at Shiga Kogen and your priority is an all-round authentic Japanese experience rather than just a ski holiday then staying at Biyu No-Yado would make an excellent choice.
The accommodation at Biyu no Yado varies between traditional tatami mat rooms with roll-out futon mattresses and combo rooms with both Western beds and a smaller tatami mat area for relaxing. Each room also includes a flatscreen TV, small fridge, kettle and a safe. The rooms are all quite beautiful and spacious - some also have their own private onsen.
The rooftop onsens are one of the real highlights of your stay at Biyu no Yado and all guests are given a Japanese Yukata robe to wear while walking from onsen to onsen (and they are also usually worn to dinner). There is both a public indoor and outdoor onsen at Biyu no Yado and private onsen available to rent. If onsen-ing is your thing then it is well worth exploring Shibu Onsen town where there are some fantastic, older public onsens to try.
The restaurant here is excellent and the Kaiseki dinner served will add to the wonderful Japanese experience. Japanese drum shows often take place at the hotel and karaoke rooms are also available on-site throughout your stay. There is a bar downstairs in the main lobby area.
While it is an authentic experience, the hotel does cater to Western guests and there are usually staff with good English. The hotel runs a shuttle bus to the Snow Monkeys. The hotel also runs a shuttle to the slopes, however we would generally reccomend having your own car if staying here to make everything easier.
Who should stay here
Biyu no Yado Ryokan is great for those who want a true taste of Japan while still having easy access to the slopes via a free shuttle service.
Location
Biyu no Yado is ideally located in the Yudanaka town area with easy access via free shuttle to local onsens, the nearby snow monkeys and the Shiga Kogen Sunvalley Ski Resort. While there are some local amenities in terms of restaurants and shops, most guests will want to stay in the ryokan to enjoy the excellent multi-course on-site dining.
- Hotel shuttle provided
- Own vehicle needed
About Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen is an intermediate groomer lover’s paradise. It’s one of the biggest (and highest) ski areas in Japan with 21 mostly interlinked resorts scattered among five valleys. There’s a variety of accommodation in Shiga Kogen, much of which is ski-in ski-out. It’s the perfect place for families or couples who love cruising and who want to explore somewhere different to the masses of Australians. Just be ready to bring out your Japanese phrasebook from time to time!
Read more about Shiga Kogen and other hotels in the area.
Hotel Amenities
- Outdoor Onsen
- Indoor Onsen
- Private Onsen
- Souvenir Shop
- Karaoke Rooms
- Flatscreen TVs
- Free WiFi
- Shuttles Provided
Available: This selection is currently available for this price. Once you submit an inquiry our agents will confirm your booking via email and send you an invoice for a deposit. You will need to pay a 25% deposit within 7 days (unless otherwise specified) to secure the booking.
On Request: Our agents need to confirm availability of this room. Once you submit a request we will endeavour to get back to you by the next business day to confirm availability (some properties may take longer). If prices are listed they are the exact prices for your dates, room selection and room occupancy. Where prices are not listed we will confirm the price when we confirm availability. In either instance, you are not committed to your selection until after we confirm availability and price. Once you agree to that confirmation, you will be sent an invoice and will need to pay a 25% deposit within 7 days (unless otherwise specified) to secure the booking. If your requested room is not available, we will present alternative options.
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